About The Imaginarium

Picture a place where children’s faces light up the second they enter, where “oohs” and “ahhs” are commonplace and where exciting, interactive learning is a cornerstone. Imagine such a place right here in Anchorage. Imagine the Imaginarium!

The Imaginarium, Alaska's only hands-on Science Discovery Center, is designed as a place where people can have fun learning about science by actually doing science.

In recent years, The Imaginarium has really come into its own offering beautiful, professionally produced permanent exhibits as well as innovative traveling exhibits, not only to the children of Anchorage, but to the entire state of Alaska through our Outreach program. Serving over 50,000 children and adults annually, the Imaginarium is a unique destination for local schoolchildren, preschoolers, birthday parties and visitors alike.

Located in downtown Anchorage, The Imaginarium resembles a living laboratory where you can stand inside a bubble, ponder the magnitude of the universe in a planetarium, discover ocean life in a marine touch tank, observe and touch exotic reptiles, or learn the principles of physics while playing with specialized toys.

Whatever the project or activity, you can be sure that it is designed to change children's attitudes about science by letting them ask the questions and look for their own answers. When it comes to creative, hands-on exhibits, demonstrations and curricula, The Imaginarium wins hands down!!

• Science Store
• Classrooms for programs, special events & theme birthday parties!
• Hands-on, interactive exhibits including Physics & Flight, Discovery Cove marine area, Reptile Alley, Galaxy Room, and Planetarium

Join us for live demonstrations or participate in hands-on science fun at the Activity Station!

Visit our Special Events page for daily demo schedules and upcoming special events!

Where the Wonder Never Ends

• Providing Alaskans with hands-on, minds-on science for 19 years - without tax dollars
• 100,000+ served annually
• More than 400 schools classes visit annually
• Outreach Programs take science to rural communities
• Dozens of locally produced permanent exhibits enhanced by national traveling exhibits and seasonal exhibits
• Teen and adult volunteers augment paid staff
• Teacher resources in the Science Store
• Four to nine different interactive and adventurous science demonstrations daily
• Discovery Nights for scout troops and other groups
• 29 different school or group workshops
• Providing Alaskans with a place to explore and wonder about science

Quality: The essential characteristic of The Imaginarium is its quality experience for families. Staff and volunteers hold themselves to high standards. There is simplicity, beauty and logic in their creative offerings. The Imaginarium offers unparalleled excellence in discovery learning for all ages.

Family: The Imaginarium promotes "feel good" family experiences for parents seeking ways to engage their children in fun experiences that promote learning in exciting and challenging ways. The Imaginarium offers something of interest for everyone. It brings people together and entrances all ages.

Wonder: The Imaginarium engages the mind and body with creative, unexpected ideas and sensations that are magically compelling and stimulate learning and fascination.

Adventure: The experience at the Imaginarium is self-guided and adventurous. It can be enjoyed alone, but provokes discussion and shared learning. It is forever new and different. Our "wow" factor stimulates curiosity and promotes a sense of freedom that empowers people of all ages to believe that science is approachable, fascinating, exciting and fun.

Discovery: The Imaginarium is a hands-on, minds-on place of science discovery that promotes learning from an uncomplicated point of view. At The Imaginarium, science is understandable, exciting and empowering. The Imaginarium is a place where learning is part of the fun rather than fun being part of the learning.